Toy article and neck connector therefor

ABSTRACT

A toy figure and neck connector therefor including a body formed of a flexible material having a filler material disposed therein, the neck connector being secured to the flexible material of the body and providing for convenient mounting of a head thereon; the neck connector further including interfitting adaptor elements that capture the flexible material therebetween so as to prevent escape of the filler material from the body.

United States Patent [191 Cederholm June 25, 1974 TOY ARTICLE AND NECK CONNECTOR THEREFOR [75] Inventor: Carl E. Cederholm, Providence, RI

[73] Assignee: Hasbro Industries, Inc., Pawtucket,

[22] Filed: Dec. 18, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 308,134

[52] US. Cl 46/161, 46/164, 46/173 [51] Int. Cl A63h 3/46 [58] Field of Search 46/158, 159, I60, 161, 46/164, 173

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS l,709,432 4/l929 Hill 46/159 3,124,901 3/1964 Beebe 46/l73 Primary Examiner-Russell R. Kinsey Assistant Examiner-Robert F. Cutting Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Salter & Michaelson [5 7] ABSTRACT A toy figure and neck connector therefor including a body formed of a flexible material having a filler material disposed therein, the neck connector being secured to the flexible material of the body and providing for convenient mounting of a head thereon; the neck connector further including interfitting adaptor elements that capture the flexible material therebetween so as to prevent escape of the filler material from the body.

11 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures TOY ARTICLE AND NECK CONNECTOR THEREFOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to toy figures having a body in which a granule-type filler is disposed.

Toy figures and particularly toy dolls known heretofore have incorporated various constructional features thereof depending upon the material from which the toy figure was made. In those doll constructions that were formed of a flexible material having a filler of particulate or granule material disposed therein, various forms of neck assemblies were incorporated therein, so as to prevent the filler material from spilling out of the body thereof. In some of the prior known devices having a filler material therein, the head of the figure was sewn directly to the body; but such a construction did not enable the head to freely move nor was it feasible in this type of doll to mold the head of a plastic material to achieve a desired human expression thereon. In those toy dolls that did include a head formed of a plastic material that enabled features of the doll to be molded directly therein, and wherein the body of the doll was constructed of a flexible material, various forms of neck connectors were incorporated therein that were designed to provide for a direct connection of the body to the neck connector. However, these prior known neck connectors were not always acceptable since they became dislodged from the body in use, thereby resulting in the filler material spilling out from the body. In other dolls using a neck connector with a flexible body having a filler therein, the head did not have sufficient mobility with respect to the body of the doll, wherein the play value of the doll was considerably decreased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a toy figure and a neck connector for use therewith and includes a body formed of a flexible cloth-like material having a filler material disposed therein. The filler material preferably is of the granular or particulate type; although, other materials can be utilized. The cloth-like material of the body has an open-ended tubular neck portion formed on an end thereof that generally defines the neck area of the toy figure, and the neck connector of the invention is secured in the tubular neck portion to seal the filler material in the body. The neck connector includes a lower adaptor that extends through the tubular neck portion and into the filler material in said body providing for a relative stable position of the neck connector with respect to the body. An upper adaptor is also formed as part of the neck connector and is interfitted therewith for capturing the tubular neck portion of the body therebetween. The neck connector is thereby secured to the body and receives thereon a head portion that defines the head of the toy figure.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a toy figure and neck connector for use therewith that enables a head portion to be quickly and easily mounted on the body of the toy figure, the body being formed of a flexible material and having a filler sealed therein.

Another object of the invention is to provide a toy figure having a body of flexible material in which a filler material is sealed, a neck connector being joined to the body and including an upper and lower adaptor that cooperate to secure a head on the body and to further seal the filler material in the body.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention shall become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary sectional view of a toy figure showing one form of the device embodied in the present invention and illustrating the manner in which the neck connector of the invention is incorporated therein;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 22 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the neck connector illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing a modified form of a neck connector;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 55 in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the modified neck connector illustrated in FIG. 4.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1 3, one form of connector embodied in the present invention is illustrated, the toy figure being generally indicated at 10. Although not illustrated in specific detail, the toy figure 10 is preferably constructed as a doll and includes a body 12 and a head 14 that is mounted on a neck connector generally indicated at 15. It is understood that the toy figure as embodied herein may be formed in a variety of figures having human characteristics and may also simulate various other fanciful figures.

The toy figure 10 has particular application for use with the body 12 that is formed of a flexible cloth-like material of any suitable construction and that has disposed therein particulate or granule material. The granule filler material is of that kind that has been employed in other toy figures heretofore and substantially fills the cavity defined by the cloth-like material of the body 12; and since the filler material is packed substantially to the capacity of the body cavity, the body may be squeezed without disturbing the general configuration or shape thereof. In the usual formation of the cloth-like material, the body will be shaped to simulate a doll; and in this connection will include a torso, legs and anus. Feet and hands molded of a plastic material may be secured to the arms and legs of the body in the usual manner. It is further understood that the clothlike material may have any exterior design imprinted thereon to simulate clothing or an inner or outer garment.

Since the toy figure 10 is formed as a doll, the head portion 14 is provided and is normally formed of a plastic material wherein human facial characteristics are molded therein. The head portion 14 as molded is formed in a hollow construction as illustrated in FIG. 1 and includes a neck portion 16 on which an inwardly extending annular flange 18 is formed that defines an annular groove 19. As will be described, the annular flange 18 and annular groove 19 are utilized to mount the head portion 14 on the body 12.

It is important in the securing of the head portion 14 on the body 12 that special provision be made for tightly sealing the body 12 at the point of connection of the head portion thereto so as to seal the filler material in the body. As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the body 12 is formed with an open-ended tubular neck portion 20 through which the neck connector extends. The neck connector 15, as will be described, not only seals the interior of the body 12 at the tubular neck portion 20, but further provides for the mounting of the head portion 14 thereon.

As shown more clearly in FIG. 3, the neck connector 15 includes an upper adaptor generally indicated at 24 that interfits with a lower adaptor generally indicated at 26. The upper adaptor 24 is formed in a generally cup-like configuration defined by a cylindrical body 28 and a bottom wall 30. An opening 32 is formed in the bottom wall 30, the purpose of which will be described hereinafter. Formed on the cylindrical body 28 of the upper adaptor 24 is an upper flange 34 that has a configuration corresponding to that of the annular groove 19 and that is utilized to secure the head portion 14 to the body 12 by cooperating with the annular flange 18, as will be described. Also formed in the cylindrical body 28 are a plurality of longitudinally extending projections 36 that cooperate with corresponding grooves as formed in the lower adaptor 26 to interfit the adaptors, as will also be described.

The lower adaptor 26 includes a body portion 38 which has an interior socket 39 formed therein. An upper flange 42 is formed on the uppermost edge of the body portion 38 and cooperates with the flange 34 to secure the annular flange 18 therebetween when the head portion 14 is mounted on the body 12. Extending below the body portion 38 is a projection defined by a plurality of vanes 40 that have a cruciform configuration and that extend interiorly of the body 12 into the granule material, wherein the neck connector 15 is retained in a stable position therein. The lower end of the body portion 38 is defined by a bottom wall 42 which as illustrated in FIG. 1 has a split projection 44 extending upwardly from the interior surface thereof, the projection 44 having a headed portion 46 formed on the uppermost end thereof. The projection 44 is received within the opening 32 in the upper adaptor 24 when the upper adaptor is interfitted within the lower adaptor, the headed portion 46 snapping into overlying relation with respect to the bottom wall 30 and thereby interlocking the adaptors together. As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the socket 40 as formed in the body 38 of the lower adaptor 26 is formed with a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves 50 therein that interfit with the projections 36 as formed on the upper adaptor 24. The interfitting of the grooves 50 and the projections 36 is designed to firmly retain the tubular neck portion of the body 12 therebetween, as will now be described.

Prior to the assembly of the head portion 14 to be body 12, the neck connector 15 is first secured in the tubular neck portion 20 of the body 12. In this connection, the lower adaptor 26 is inserted through the opening as defined in the tubular neck portion 20 the vanes 40 that extend from the body portion 38 of the lower adaptor 26 projecting into the granule filler material for positively locating the lower adaptor 26 therein. The tubular neck portion 20 is then folded inwardly over the upper flange 42 of the lower adaptor 26, and is received within the socket 40 in overlying relation with respect to the grooves 50 formed therein. The upper adaptor 24 is then inserted within the socket 40 of the lower adaptor 26, the projections 36 as formed on the upper adaptor 24 being received within the grooves 50 as formed in the socket 40 of the lower adaptor. The tubular neck portion 20 is now captured between the upper and lower adaptors, and the adaptors are interlocked in place by the movement of the projection 46 through the opening 32, the headed portion 46 of the projection clearing the opening 32 and then snapping over the bottom wall 30 to lock the adaptors together. The interengaging projections 36 and grooves 50 as formed in the adaptors, which in effect form a spline connection therebetween act to positively retain the tubular neck portion 20 of the body 12 in place between the adaptors. It is further seen that since the lower adaptor 26 is fixed within the tubular neck portion 20, none of the filler material as contained within the body can escape through the tubular neck portion and is effectively sealed therein.

When the upper adaptor 24 is interfitted in fixed relation within the socket 39 of the lower adaptor 26 as illustrated in FIG. 1, a space is defined between the flange 42 and the flange 34. This space which forms an annular groove is dimensioned for receiving the annular flange 18 as formed on the neck section 16 of the head portion 14. The flange 18 is snapped in place within the groove as formed between the flanges 34 and 42, and the flange 34 as formed on the upper adaptor 24 is received within the annular groove 19 that has a complementary configuration corresponding thereto. Since the tubular neck portion 20 also overlies the flange 42 of the lower adaptor 26, the securing of the head portion 14 in place as described further aids in sealing the interior of the body 12.

When the head portion 14 is mounted in place on the neck connector 15, it is seen that it is rotatable with respect to the body 12 since the flange 18 is not fixed against rotary movement with respect to the flanges 34 and 42. Such rotating movement of the head portion 14 increases the play value for the doll since the head portion may be moved to any desired position. However, since the extension of the adaptor 26 as defined by the vanes 40 is embedded in the granule material within the body 12, the head portion 14 is ordinarily not tilted in angular relation with respect to the body 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 6, a modified form of a neck connector is illustrated and is generally indicated at 52. The neck connector 52 is designed to interconnect a head portion 54 of a toy figure generally indicated at 56 to a flexible body 58 in which particulate or granule material is disposed. The neck connector 52 includes an upper adaptor generally indicated at 60 that is interfitted in a lower adaptor generally indicated at 62, the body 58 having a tubular neck 64 that is received between the adaptors for sealing the interior of the body.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the lower adaptor 62 is molded in a one-piece construction of a plastic material and includes a body portion 66 having a cup-like configuration that defines a socket 68 therein. Formed on the interior wall of the socket 68 are a plurality of longitudinally extending projections 70. Integrally joined to a bottom wall 72 of the body portion 66 and extending downwardly therefrom is a tapered central boss 74,

while elongated vanes 76 also extend downwardly from the bottom wall 72 and project into the granule material for stabilizing the position of the neck connector 52 therein. A plastic washer 78 having a hole 79 formed therein is received in the socket 68 and aids in interconnecting the upper and lower adaptors 60 and 62 together as will be described.

The upper adaptor 60 is substantially cylindrical in configuration and is formed with an interior bore 80 that terminates at the lower end in a bottom wall 82 having an opening 84 formed therein. The upper adaptor 60 includes an upper portion 86 that has a smooth exterior wall and a lower portion 88 separated from the upper portion 86 by an annular flange 90. Formed in the outer wall of the lower portion 88 are a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves 92 that are shaped to receive the projections 70 when the adaptors 60 and 62 are interfitted.

The upper and lower adaptors 60 and 62 are interfitted to capture the tubular neck 64 of the body 58 by placing the washer 78 in the socket 68 and then inserting the lower portion 88 into the socket 68 with the tubular neck 58 also folded in place within the socket. The projections 70 of the lower adaptor 62 are received in the grooves 92 of the upper adaptor 60, and the assembly is then locked in place by inserting a conventional selftapping screw 94 through the opening 84 in the bottom wall 82 of the upper adaptor 60 and then through the hole 79 of the washer 78 into the boss 74 for securement therein.

With the adaptors secured in place to seal the body 58, the head portion 54 which is also formed with an annular groove 96 is snapped into place over the upper adaptor 60, the flange 90 being snapped into the groove 96. The lower end of the head portion 54 conforms around the adjacent body 58 and upper edge of the lower adaptor 62 to securely lock the head portion on the adaptor assembly. It is seen that the upwardly projecting upper portion 86 of the upper adaptor 60 projects sufficiently inwardly of the head portion interior to prevent accidental dislodgement of the head portion. However, rotating movement of the head portion is still provided through the interconnection of the flange 90 and annular groove 96.

While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A toy figure, comprising a body formed of a flexible cloth-like material and having a filler material disposed therein, the cloth--like material of said body having an open-ended tubular neck portion formed on an end thereof that generally defines the neck area of said toy figure, a neck connector including a lower adaptor that extends through said tubular neck portion and into said filler material in said body and an upper adaptor that is separable from said lower adaptor and that interfits therewith for capturing the tubular neck portion of said body therebetween, wherein said neck connector is secured to said body, and a head portion secured to said upper adaptor above said body and defining the head of said toy figure, one of said adaptors having a socket formed therein and the other adaptor being received in said socket, a portion of the tubular neck portion of said body being foldable into said socket, wherein the interfitting of said adaptors captures said tubular neck portion therebetween.

2. A toy figure as set forth in claim 1, said lower adaptor having the socket formed therein and said upper adaptor having a cylindrical configuration that is receivable in said socket, and means in said socket for locking said upper adaptor to said lower adaptor.

3. A toy figure as set forth in claim 2, the lower adaptor further including an extension that projects into said filler material and is embedded therein, thereby anchoring said neck connector in said body in a relatively stable position.

4. A toy figure as set forth in claim 1, said upper adaptor having an annular flange formed thereon that is spaced from the upper edge of the lower adaptor to define an annular groove when the adaptors are interfitted, said head portion having an annular flange formed on the lower end thereof that is snapable into the annular groove to mount the head portion on said upper adaptor in rotatable relation thereon.

5. A toy figure as set forth in claim 4, said lower adaptor having a socket formed therein and said upper adaptor having a cylindrical configuration that is receivable in said socket in locking relation, said lower adaptor further including a lower extension that is receivable in said filler material in embedded relation to stabilize the position of said neck connector with respect to said body.

6. A toy figure as set forth in claim 4, said lower adaptor having a socket formed therein and said upper adaptor having a cylindrical configuration that is receivable in said socket, and a fastener extending through a lower wall of said upper adaptor into said lower adaptor for securing said adaptors in interfitting relation.

7. A toy figure as set forth in claim 4, said upper adaptor having an upper portion joined thereto that extends into the interior of the head portion when said head portion is mounted on the interfitted adaptors, wherein accidental removal of said head portion from said adaptors is prevented.

8. A toy figure, comprising a body formed of a flexible cloth-like material and having a filler material disposed therein, the cloth-like material of said body having an open-ended tubular neck portion formed on an end thereof that generally defines the neck area of said toy figure, a neck connector including a lower adaptor that extends through said tubular neck portion and into said filler material in said body and an upper adaptor that is separable from said lower adaptor and that interfits therewith for capturing the tubular neck portion of said body therebetween, wherein said neck connector is secured to said body, and a head portion secured to said upper adaptor above said body and defining the head of said toy figure, one of said adaptors having a socket formed therein and the other adaptor being received in said socket, a portion of the tubular neck portion of said body being foldable into said socket, wherein the interfitting of said adaptors captures said tubular neck portion therebetween, said lower adaptor having the socket formed therein and said upper adaptor having a cylindrical configuration that is receivable in said socket, and means in said socket for locking said upper adaptor to said lower adaptor, said locking means including a projection extending upwardly from the bottom wall of said socket, and an opening formed in the lower wall of said upper adaptor that receives said projection therein in locking relation when said upper adaptor is interfitted in said lower adaptor.

9. A toy figure, comprising a body formed of a flexible cloth-like material and having a filler material disposed therein, the cloth-like material of said body having an open-ended tubular neck portion formed on an end thereof that generally defines the neck area of said toy figure, a neck connector including a lower adaptor that extends through said tubular neck portion and into said filler material in said body and an upper adaptor that is separable from said lower adaptor and that interfits therewith for capturing the tubular neck portion of said body therebetween, wherein said neck connector is secured to said body, and a head portion secured to said upper adaptor above said body and defining the head of said toy figure, one of said adaptors having a socket formed therein and the other adaptor being received in said socket, a portion of the tubular neck portion of said body being foldable into said socket, wherein the interfitting of said adaptors captures said tubular neck portion therebetween, one of said adaptors having a plurality of interior grooves formed therein that extend longitudinally thereof, the other of said adaptors having a plurality of corresponding projections formed thereon that extend longitudinally thereof and that are receivable in said grooves, wherein the cloth-like material captured between the interfitting adaptors is firmly secured therebetween.

10. A toy figure as set forth in claim 9, said lower adaptor having the socket formed therein and the grooves formed on the interior wall of said socket, the upper adaptor having a generally cylindrical configuration in the outer wall of which the projections are formed, the grooves receiving the projections therein when the upper adaptor is interfitted into the lower adaptor.

11. A toy figure as set forthin claim 10, the lower wall of said socket having a projection extending upwardly therefrom, the lower wall of said upper adaptor having an opening formed therein through which the projection extends when said adaptors are interfitted, said projection having a locking shoulder formed thereon that interlocks the adaptors in the interfitted position thereof. 

1. A toy figure, comprising a body formed of a flexible clothlike material and having a filler material disposed therein, the cloth--like material of said body having an open-ended tubular neck portion formed on an end thereof that generally defines the neck area of said toy figure, a neck connector including a lower adaptor that extends through said tubular neck portion and into said filler material in said body and an upper adaptor that is separable from said lower adaptor and that interfits therewith for capturing the tubular neck portion of said body therebetween, wherein said neck connector is secured to said body, and a head portion secured to said upper adaptor above said body and defining the head of said toy figure, one of said adaptors having a socket formed therein and the other adaptor being received in said socket, a portion of the tubular neck portion of said body being foldable into said socket, wherein the interfitting of said adaptors captures said tubular neck portion therebetween.
 2. A toy figure as set forth in claim 1, said lower adaptor having the socket formed therein and said upper adaptor having a cylindrical configuration that is receivable in said socket, and means in said socket for locking said upper adaptor to said lower adaptor.
 3. A toy figure as set forth in claim 2, the lower adaptor further including an extension that projects into said filler material and is embedded therein, thereby anchoring said neck connector in said body in a relatively stable position.
 4. A toy figure as set forth in claim 1, said upper adaptor having an annular flange formed thereon that is spaced from the upper edge of the lower adaptor to define an annular groove when the adaptors are interfitted, said head portion having an annular flange formed on the lower end thereof that is snapable into the annular groove to mount the head portion on said upper adaptor in rotatable relation thereon.
 5. A toy figure as set forth in claim 4, said lower adaptor having a socket formed therein and said upper adaptor having a cylindrical configuration that is receivable in said socket in locking relation, said lower adaptor further including a lower extension that is receivable in said filler material in embedded relation to stabilize the position of said neck connector with respect to said body.
 6. A toy figure as set forth in claim 4, said lower adaptor having a socket formed therein and said upper adaptor having a cylindrical configuration that is receivable in said socket, and a fastener extending through a lower wall of said upper adaptor into said lower adaptor for securing said adaptors in interfitting relation.
 7. A toy figure as set forth in claim 4, said upper adaptor having an upper portion joined thereto that extends into the interior of the head portion when said head portion is Mounted on the interfitted adaptors, wherein accidental removal of said head portion from said adaptors is prevented.
 8. A toy figure, comprising a body formed of a flexible cloth-like material and having a filler material disposed therein, the cloth-like material of said body having an open-ended tubular neck portion formed on an end thereof that generally defines the neck area of said toy figure, a neck connector including a lower adaptor that extends through said tubular neck portion and into said filler material in said body and an upper adaptor that is separable from said lower adaptor and that interfits therewith for capturing the tubular neck portion of said body therebetween, wherein said neck connector is secured to said body, and a head portion secured to said upper adaptor above said body and defining the head of said toy figure, one of said adaptors having a socket formed therein and the other adaptor being received in said socket, a portion of the tubular neck portion of said body being foldable into said socket, wherein the interfitting of said adaptors captures said tubular neck portion therebetween, said lower adaptor having the socket formed therein and said upper adaptor having a cylindrical configuration that is receivable in said socket, and means in said socket for locking said upper adaptor to said lower adaptor, said locking means including a projection extending upwardly from the bottom wall of said socket, and an opening formed in the lower wall of said upper adaptor that receives said projection therein in locking relation when said upper adaptor is interfitted in said lower adaptor.
 9. A toy figure, comprising a body formed of a flexible cloth-like material and having a filler material disposed therein, the cloth-like material of said body having an open-ended tubular neck portion formed on an end thereof that generally defines the neck area of said toy figure, a neck connector including a lower adaptor that extends through said tubular neck portion and into said filler material in said body and an upper adaptor that is separable from said lower adaptor and that interfits therewith for capturing the tubular neck portion of said body therebetween, wherein said neck connector is secured to said body, and a head portion secured to said upper adaptor above said body and defining the head of said toy figure, one of said adaptors having a socket formed therein and the other adaptor being received in said socket, a portion of the tubular neck portion of said body being foldable into said socket, wherein the interfitting of said adaptors captures said tubular neck portion therebetween, one of said adaptors having a plurality of interior grooves formed therein that extend longitudinally thereof, the other of said adaptors having a plurality of corresponding projections formed thereon that extend longitudinally thereof and that are receivable in said grooves, wherein the cloth-like material captured between the interfitting adaptors is firmly secured therebetween.
 10. A toy figure as set forth in claim 9, said lower adaptor having the socket formed therein and the grooves formed on the interior wall of said socket, the upper adaptor having a generally cylindrical configuration in the outer wall of which the projections are formed, the grooves receiving the projections therein when the upper adaptor is interfitted into the lower adaptor.
 11. A toy figure as set forth in claim 10, the lower wall of said socket having a projection extending upwardly therefrom, the lower wall of said upper adaptor having an opening formed therein through which the projection extends when said adaptors are interfitted, said projection having a locking shoulder formed thereon that interlocks the adaptors in the interfitted position thereof. 